From 3 – 6 July 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Haruthai Panyavuttrakul, Dean of the School of Communication Arts, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pathanin Sangaroon, Director of the Office of Documentation and Information, attended The ASAIHL Conference 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Held under the theme “Bridging Borders and Building Futures: Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation in Asia,” the conference aimed to foster strategic partnerships, drive policy development, and build networks among higher education institutions, government agencies, and industries across Asia.
The event featured a blend of policy forums, keynote executive lectures, academic presentations, and networking sessions. The discussions centered on leveraging digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance lifelong learning, elevate higher education quality, and promote sustainable human resource development in the region. The core sub-themes included:
Lifelong Learning for Inclusive & Sustainable Development
Digital Transformation & Innovation Education
Industry-Academia-Government Partnerships in Upskilling and Reskilling
Community Empowerment through Lifelong Learning
Policy, Leadership, and Governance in Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning and the Future of Work in Asia
The ASAIHL Conference is held twice a year, serving as a global platform for member institutions to strengthen ties, exchange knowledge and experiences in teaching and research, and provide scholars and faculty members with opportunities to present their academic work at an international level.
BANGKOK, 26 June 2026 — The School of Liberal Arts at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the International Literacy Association (ILA), the Thailand Literacy Association (TiLA), Chulalongkorn University, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Library Network, and the Thai Library Association under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, successfully co-hosted the international academic conference, Asian Literacy Conference 2026.
Held from 18-19 June 2026, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), the conference centered around the timely theme “Multilingual Literacy in the Age of AI.” The event aimed to elevate and drive new directions for language learning and literacy advancement amidst the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
The international forum was officially opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs, representing the President of STOU. Asst. Prof. Vasan Rattanapoka, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, warmly welcomed international delegates.
This significant gathering was made possible through an extensive network of domestic and international scholars, coordinated by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin, President of TiLA and a member of the executive committee for STOU’s Ph.D. program in Information Science (School of Liberal Arts).
Highlights of the Two-Day Conference
18 June 2026 | Study Tour & Network Building
Delegates embarked on a study tour at the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University. This was followed by a meeting of the International Development in Asia Committee (IDAC), which brought together literacy association representatives from across Asia, including Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.
A key highlight was a special session by Mr. Sakil Malik, Chief Growth and Strategy Advisor for Childhood Education International, who shared insights on applying research to improve education and literacy at both community and organizational levels. The day also featured poster presentations from local and international researchers.
June 19, 2026 | Keynote & Panel Discussions
The second day focused on special lectures and academic presentations regarding multilingual literacy and AI literacy. A major highlight was the panel discussion on “Case Studies of Multilingual Literacy in the Age of AI,” moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Lugsamee Nuamthanom Kimura from STOU’s School of Liberal Arts.
Distinguished international speakers included Dr. Merlene Alon, Ms. Linda Warfel, Dr. Rizalina C. Labanda, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Banjerd Jongapirattanakul, who exchanged diverse perspectives on reshaping literacy development in the current era of AI revolution. Co-hosting this prestigious international conference underscores the vital role of STOU’s School of Liberal Arts in fostering global academic networks. By promoting knowledge in literacy, lifelong learning, and educational digital technology, STOU continues to empower learners to thrive and work effectively in today’s fast-evolving digital and AI-driven society.
On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the Rembrandt Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 18, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs, attended the celebration marking the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), commemorated as Africa Day 2026. The event was held upon the invitation of H.E. Mr. Abderrahim Rahhaly, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the Group of African Head of Missions accredited in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union (AU), in 1963. The celebration recognizes the progress Africans have made over the years while also reflecting on the shared challenges they continue to face in a changing global environment.
The event featured exhibitions showcasing the rich cultural diversity and distinctive identities of the African continent. Activities included live musical performances, displays of traditional national attire, as well as booths offering authentic African handicrafts and traditional cuisine.
On 20–24 April 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led a delegation of faculty and researchers to the 28th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit in Halong, Vietnam.
Accompanying the President was Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Head of Internationalization Development and STOU’s OU5 Coordinator, along with five distinguished researchers:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nareerut Seerasarn (School of Agriculture and Cooperatives)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan (School of Health Science)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Patthanan Bootchuy (Office of Educational Technology)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitti (School of Political Science)
Dr. Choneratt Suriyarangsun (School of Liberal Arts)
The OU5 group is a strategic alliance of five leading distance-learning open universities in the ASEAN region. The summit serves as a platform to enhance distance education, collaborative research, and pedagogical innovation. The member institutions include:
Hanoi Open University (HOU) – Vietnam (Host for this summit)
Open University Malaysia (OUM) – Malaysia
University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) – Philippines
Universitas Terbuka (UT) – Indonesia
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) – Thailand
A total of 35 participants, including university presidents, coordinators, and researchers, attended the meetings. The hosting duties rotate among the members, with the next summit scheduled for November 2026 in Magelang, Indonesia.
Before the main summit on 21 April 21 2026, Hanoi Open University hosted an international conference titled “Digital Economy in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” During this academic event, Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs at STOU, was honored to serve as the Chairperson for the academic paper presentation sessions throughout the conference.
On Thursday, 26 February 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) reaffirmed its commitment to global academic excellence by participating in the “Friends of Saskatchewan” event. The gathering, held in the Sukhumvit area, celebrated the enduring connections and professional contributions of Saskatchewan alumni and partners within Thailand.
Representing STOU were Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs. The event served as a high-level networking platform, bringing together Thai educational leaders and a visiting delegation from the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Dr. Songlak engaged with Canadian representatives to explore synergies in digital learning innovation and collaborative research. Both parties expressed a keen interest in Faculty Mobility, Joint Research Initiatives, and Knowledge Sharing.
The attendance of STOU’s leadership underscores the university’s strategic goal of positioning itself as a leader in international distance education through robust global partnerships. The “Friends of Saskatchewan” event has paved the way for future Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that will further bridge the academic communities of Thailand and Canada.
On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) formally welcomed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shinji Kikuchi from Chiba University, Japan.
The primary objective of this visit was to facilitate a knowledge exchange regarding instructional management and collaborative research with STOU’s School of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Key discussion points included:
Undergraduate Internships: Establishing frameworks for student practical training.
Graduate Study Tours: Securing study sites and field visits for postgraduate students, specifically those majoring in Plant Production Management.
Student Exchange Programs: Exploring reciprocal opportunities for students from both institutions to enhance their international academic experience.
Following the academic discussions, the delegation visited the Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC). Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wachira Brahmawong from the Office of Educational Technology, the tour showcased STOU’s advanced production processes for distance learning media.
This meeting marks a significant milestone in strengthening the academic partnership between STOU and Chiba University. It paves the way for future international collaboration in teaching, research, and specialized agricultural development.
On 22 January 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) advanced its international network by holding an online Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony for academic cooperation with the Green Africa Foundation (GAF) from the Republic of Kenya. This partnership aims to promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, and mutual sustainable development.
The ceremony took place at the Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC), at STOU Headquarters. The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Dr. Isaac Kalua Green, Founder and Chairperson of the GAF, with executives and representatives from both sides as witnesses. This collaboration focuses on joint operations in education, distance learning, agricultural knowledge exchange, and sustainable community development—rooted in the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and adapted to each country’s context.
Furthermore, the event was supported by diplomatic and international cooperation agencies. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related organizations witnessed the signing and discussed future collaboration. Notable attendees included H.E. Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn, the former Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi, along with representatives from the Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi, the Africa Division of the Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs, and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).
The presence of these diplomatic representatives underscores the significance of academic cooperation between Thailand and the Republic of Kenya at both the institutional and national levels. STOU aims to leverage its potential in distance education and academic expertise to support sustainable development based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and strengthen communities in the long term. This partnership marks a significant milestone for STOU in expanding its academic network into Africa, aligning with its strategy to be a leading global open university that utilizes technology and educational innovation to promote lifelong learning.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) has reinforced its commitment to digital inclusivity by collaborating with Microsoft to host the “AI for Social Impact” forum as part of the “STOU for All” initiative.
On 21 November 2025, at the Phitayaphat Building, STOU, the university’s executive team, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thaweewat Wattanakulcharoen (President), Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri (Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Networking and Special Affairs), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat (Director of the Research Center of Communication and Development Knowledge Management: CCDKM) presided over the opening ceremony.
The event featured key representatives from leading digital and international organizations, including:
Ms. Supahrat Juramongkol, AI Skilling Lead at Microsoft (Thailand)
Dr. Sithorn Kulradathorn, Acting Director of Policy and Strategy at the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA)
Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, Director at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
The forum included expert sessions from Mr. Thanathip Damthip and Asst. Prof. Dr Pimprapa Phanphai (Acting Assistant to the President), who presented the “STOU for All” framework to representatives from the social sector.
Throughout the day, over 400 participants engaged in hands-on learning with Microsoft Copilot, exploring how to design social projects and innovations using AI. The event highlighted a shared goal of preparing the social sector workforce to be 80% AI-Ready, ensuring that digital technology is accessible to all.
The International Affairs Office, in collaboration with the School of Political Science at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), recently organized a special lecture titled “Regional Peace and Security: Spirit of the Green March.”
On Monday, 24 November 2025, the event took place at the Video Room, Library and Learning Resources Center, STOU. The university was honored to welcome H.E. Mr. Abderrahim Rahhaly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to Thailand, as the keynote speaker. The Ambassador shared insights on regional peace and security through the lens of the “Spirit of the Green March.” Associate Professor Dr. Thaweewat Wattanakulcharoen, University Council Member and Acting President of STOU, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered the welcoming remarks.
In addition, Professor Mohammed Larouz, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Moulay Ismail University, Morocco, joined the session via an online platform. He presented academic perspectives on Morocco’s history, politics, and its international role, further strengthening the mutual understanding of regional security between the two nations.
The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, providing a platform for academic exchange and vibrant discussion among participants.
This initiative reflects the strong cooperation between the three partner organizations: Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to Thailand, and Moulay Ismail University. It also serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge on politics, security, and international relations, benefiting university personnel, students, and the general public alike.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) co-hosted The International Conference for Health Professionals (ICHP) 2025 with The University of Philippines Open University (UPOU), Philippines, and Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia. On 17-19 November 2025, The hybrid conference took place at STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi, Thailand, and virtually via Zoom.
The conference was under the Theme: “Innovative and Sustainable Health Practices Across Diverse Global Settings”.
On the Pre-Conference Day, Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology and International Affairs of STOU, greeted the participants upon their arrivals at Seminar Building 1. Prof. Dr. Rizky Abdulah, Vice Rector for Research, Collaboration, and Marketing at Universitas Padjadjaran, welcomed the participants and colleagues from the partner universities. The pre-conference activities included 2 talks and an open forum.
At the Pre-conference Talk 1, Prof. Dr. Nur Atik, Director of Research and Community Services at Universitas Padjadjaran (UnPad), discussed the role of Higher Health Institutions in shaping sustainable health practices.
For Pre-conference Talk 2, Prof. Dr. Olga Riklikienė, (onsite), Professor at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, explored the use of immersive open pedagogies in nursing education.
An open forum followed the presentations, allowing participants to raise questions, exchange insights, and further deepen the discussion.
On the opening day, 18 November 2025, during the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, delivered the opening message, emphasising the importance of the discussions to be held throughout the conference.
Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies, also gave her opening remarks. She highlighted that the joint leadership of the three partner universities reflects a strong commitment to collaborative action in advancing sustainable healthcare systems. She encouraged participants to reflect on the guiding truth that health is a right, not a privilege.
Prof. Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of UP Open University, led the formal declaration of the opening of ICHP 2025. She reiterated that the conference, grounded in its theme, provides a space to reflect on and reimagine ways to build innovative and sustainable health systems.
During the morning session of Day 1, Prof. Dr. Nur Atik, Director for Research and Community Services at Universitas Padjadjaran, presented the conference rationale, providing context for the day’s discussions.
This was followed by a keynote address from Prof. Dr. Olga Riklikienė, Professor at The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, which spoke on Sustainable Nursing Education Using Innovation and E-Conscious Strategies to Prepare Global Health Professionals.
Continuing the session, Prof. Dr. Sheila R. Bonito, Dean of the University of the Philippines Manila College of Nursing, delivered Plenary Session 1 on Building Strong Leaders for Transformative Healthcare, emphasizing the critical role of investing in nursing education and leadership.
The ICHP Poster Gallery Session followed by the plenary session. This dedicated space showcases key research outputs, innovations, and insights contributed by participating scholars and institutions. The poster gallery offers attendees an opportunity to explore diverse perspectives and engage with emerging ideas in the field of health and education.
The second day was filled with dynamic activities, including keynote addresses, panel presentations, PechaKucha sessions, poster presentations, and engaging parallel sessions focused on innovation and sustainability in global health.
Professor Emeritus Prasit Watanapa, M.D. of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University of Thailand, delivered the second keynote address on Digital Health, Green Systems, and Community-Centered Approaches for Resilient and Equitable Healthcare, offering an insightful overview of Health Innovations and Sustainable Practices.
During the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Myra D. Oruga, ICHP Program Committee Chair, wrapped up the event with a thoughtfully articulated synthesis that highlighted the key insights and emerging themes from the conference sessions. She emphasized how ICHP 2025 underscored that community empowerment is essential to long-term resilience and how it showcased the value of international and institutional partnerships in strengthening global health. The conference provided a clear roadmap for advancing health education, research, and workforce development.
An awarding ceremony followed to recognize exemplary contributions presented during the conference, including the Best Poster, Best Paper, and Best Oral Presentation.
The Best Poster Award was awarded to Dr. Javeson Roy Batuto for his poster entitled “Developing a Patient-Centered Core Framework in a Medical Tourism Facility Using the SERVQUAL Model.”
The Best Paper Award was presented to the team of Dr. Nichel Marquez, Dr. Julius Lecciones, John Ubalde, RN, and Ms. Evelyn Joson for the study “Performance of CAD-AI and Human Reading in Chest X-Ray Screening for Tuberculosis: Evidence from Urban Active Case Finding in Metro Manila, Philippines.”
The Best Oral Presentation Award was given to Ms. Sheena Kate Da-o for her study “Unraveling the Unheard Stories of Nurses on Extended Shifts.”
Assoc. Prof. Rita Ramos, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the history of the ICHP, and extended her heartfelt gratitude to all the teams and partners. The next ICHP was proudly announced to be hosted by Universitas Padjadjaran in Indonesia.
